Hi,
I'm 52 years old and had my hip replaced about two years ago. It was badly injured in an auto accident and gave out on me at the age of 47. I was really miserable before my hip surgery -- couldn't walk more than 200 to 300 feet on my cane, and was dependent on narcotic painkillers.
Thankfully, that is all behind me now. My new hip is not entirely pain-free and I still can't do everything that I'd like to do, but it's a huge improvement, and I'm so grateful for my mobility.
I learned so much about joint replacement from my own experience, and talking to other total hippers, that I wrote a book about it. It's called GETTING HIP: Recovery from a Total Hip Replacement. I've covered everything from preoperative to postoperative care, and I interviewed 10 other people around the world. Nine had total hip surgery and one had his hip resurfaced.
You can read about it on my web site at www.sigridsrecovery.blogspot.com.
I'm always interested in talking to new people about joint replacement so feel free to contact me at sigrid@primus.ca.
Stay hip :-) Sigrid
Cookie,
I'm glad to hear that you had some relief from your hip surgeries. I just read one of your other posts about your hands, and how you feel embarrassed when people stare at them.
It's hard to train ourselves not care about what other people think. When my hip was disintegrating, I really needed to be on a cane, but for several months, I refused to use one. I thought that it made me look old and unattractive. I had to retrain my mind not to care about what I look like. That was easier for me than for you because my situation was resolved with the THR.
But you have dealt with so much in your young life. Most everyone else your age has it easier than you. It must take great courage and strength to get through the day being in pain in so many different joints.
I hope that there is some medication that you can take that helps somewhat, and I will be keeping my fingers crossed -- literally! -- that your joints hold out as long as possible :-)
Best, Sigrid
Cookie, You're allowed to get mad! There's nothing fair about your situation. Chronic pain can really ruin your day.
On Friday, I was wearing tight jeans and I bent over to slip a DVD into my player, and I put my back out! I can hardly walk and the most irritating thing was that it was just before Easter :-( I still feel mad about that and I'm still in A LOT of pain at this moment as I write.
What does your doctor say? Is he reluctant to replace your knees at this stage? Hang in there! Sigrid
we all have our own way of dealing with pain, u just have to think positive that everything is alright. my rheumy been telling me most of my joints already need replacements. the problem is, i dont have the money to finance the operation since i havent work or dont work, i dont have insurances to help me. in our country insurances are only for those who are employed and our govt doesnt support those unfortunate people(like me) who are suffering from illnesses. it would just be unfair if i would keep asking support from my mom regarding the operation since she already helped me with my new hips. i try not to think about my situation but sometimes its just so unfair to think i have no choice. everyone deserves to live a happy life. I'm actually trying to do that. i went malling today and watched a movie(hitch) all by myself and that to me was already a big accomplishment. its a matter how you want your life to be either you want to be happy or otherwise and i chose to be happy. happy in a sense its genuine happiness.
Cookie,
I can't imagine what you're going through. I live in Canada and I did a lot of complaining about how long I had to wait for joint surgery -- I had to wait 18 months and it seemed like a heck of a long time. But I certainly feel ungrateful when I read about your situation. I just can't fathom what it would be like not to have insurance at all
I agree that attitude is critical but I don't think that I could keep a good attitude if I didn't feel hopeful about having some pain relief. You're really in a tough situation. I know it sounds like a dumb question but is there anyone could possibly help you financially?Maybe it would be worthwhile to attract some publicity or media attention to your situation.I just feel so badly for you, especially at your age.
The other thing that occurs to me is that the Yahoo Total Joint Replacement groupis an incredible place. Have you ever posted on their? Those people tend to be really clever and innovative. I wonder if somebody could make some suggestions for you.
Sending healing vibes your way and keeping my fingers crossed for some sort of miracle-- Sigrid
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got both of my hips replaced 2000 n 2001 respectively. it has done wonders. i could move freely compared when it wasnt replaced yet. although, theres still limitations but im thankful i had it done. its worth it. im actually thinking of my knees replaced bec. i walk with a limp, which bothers me when i walk. i get tired easily and coulndt walk too long. when i go malling, i have to be in wheelchair, it helps me not to get tired/stress to go around the mall. ive been diagnosed with JRA since i was 7 yrs. old, actually, my illness started when i was still 3 and now im already 32 yrs. old. still trying to live everyday and hoping and praying my illness would stop to progress and i dont have to get all my joints replaced.
cookie
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Hi cookie.
Good to know you had a sucessful hip surgery.
Im also from the philippines. My fiance will be having a total hip surgery this coming year (to be converted from surgical fusion). Would you mind if I ask the doctor worked on your surger and the hospital?
Thanks in advance.